Gezi Park’s finest

On the streets, in social media and in rally's, signs, speeches, slogans, chants and graffiti have, despite everything, provided moments of comic relief or mere bewilderment. Certainly, there has been a humorous side to what is taking place, with the core of the Gezi Park protestor’s use of humor in their uprising. What I would like to do is share with you is some of Gezi Park's finest moments -- what people are saying and how they are saying it.

So without further ado, I share with you my top moments of Gezi with no intention at all of downplaying these protests and the incredible amount of tension and damage it has caused.

1.“I won't change.”

If there is one person who has made it Swarovski crystal clear how he feels, it's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In response to criticism directed at him, he said and this while referring to himself in the third person, 'Tayyip Erdoğan won't change.” Roger that, Turkey.

2. “I'm here too, girlfriend”

These protests have brought out individuals from Turkey's marginalized groups and certainly not all of them are members of  the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C), unless they are undercover, that is?  The sign being carried can loosely be translated as: "Capulcu in the house, girlfriend!"

(Photo: Muammer Yanmaz)

3. “I just want everyone to be OK”

Gezi Park protesters in Eskisehir are greeted by a sweet, saintly old pious lady who shares the bread and snack which she purchased for them. This video went viral as everyone was touched by the sincerity of someone with no agenda whatsoever. Everyone say "Awwww."

4. “We don't want three kids, or do we?”

One issue that has frequently come up during protests was Erdoğan's urging for children in threefold from all Turks. This number pushed by the Prime Minister has soared as high as five in different countries so Turks are actually getting off easy. Young protesters held signs addressing the prime minister which read: "Are you sure you'd want three of me?" The sign above reads, “What’s 3-5 kids between you and me?"

5. “Yey! Just yey!”

And then there are those celebrating the government and Erdoğan. They couldn't be more thrilled about life and decisions by the government. There is a party going on in this building; I especially salute the man in the cowboy hat.

6. “We have a different Mustafa in mind.”

Atatürk has been a strong symbol utilized during the protest and repeated in slogans by the Republican Peoples’ Party (CHP) and Kemalist circles. "We are soldiers of Mustafa Kemal" they have chanted. Those who don’t have such an allegiance have hit back with the phrase, “We are soldiers of Mustafa Keser.” Mustafa Keser (above) is a somewhat legendary Turkish folk music singer known for his jovial character and massive repertoire.

7. “We are always down for a good protest.”

The supporters of İstanbul’s three major soccer teams, but mainly those of Besiktaş’s famous Çarşı Group have been a formidable force throughout the protests. They hit an all-time high during the first week of the protests when they took over a bulldozer and took it on a joy ride amidst all of the chaos in Beşiktaş. It’s become evident that if you need some backing when trying to make a point, there’s only one group you need to call. After all, one of their mottos is, “Çarşı herşeye karşı.” (Çarşı is opposed to everything.)

8.  “We are sure not all that sure why we’re here.”

There has been a lack of cohesive leadership in the Gezi Park protests with groups falling into dispute about why they are there and how they will go about staging this protest. This has been acknowledged through writings and signs in and around the Taksim area. “Down with some things!” the writing above says.  Now that’s a revolutionary spirit!